Fatwa ID: 07580

 

 

Answered by: Maulana Sarfraz Mohammad

 

Question

 

Assalamualaykum, I have a question. I admit this is my mistake and I’m regretting it right now. Back when I was in high school, I cheated on the final examination for 5 subject out of 8 subjects. I didn’t think much back then but now it’s bothering me. Out of all the subject, I can say I cheated most on 3 subjects and this one subject which is a must-pass subject. I can’t be certain if I’d pass if I didn’t cheat because we only know our grades, not our real mark.

 

Also I’ve been dealing with uncertainty and what if I cheated more than I could remember, because if I cheated more then there’s a possibility I’d fail or get a grade below C. Now I am already furthering my studies but the qualifications for this diploma is to get 5 C’s and a pass in History, whilst I can only ensure I’ll get 3 C’s and not certain about history. Now it’s really troubling me because what if I actually don’t even deserve to further my studies if I didnt cheat. We can actually repeat that exam for subjects that we want to improve our mark and I’m planning to apply for mathematics and history for next year.

 

My question is, if I perform tawbah and repeat those subjects, can I continue my studies until I graduate? Will using my high school certificate and diploma then be permissible? Jazakallah khair

 

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer 

 

It is commendable that you are seeking to rectify past mistakes and turn towards Allah in repentance. Cheating in any form is indeed a sin, as it violates principles of honesty and fairness. It is reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (S.A.W) said:

“Whoever cheats, he is not one of us”

(Tirmidhi)

 

However, Allah’s mercy is vast, and sincere repentance (taubah) is always accepted when done with genuine regret and the intention to make amends.

 

You have already recognised the problem and are planning to retake the exams. This is a positive step because it reflects your intention to correct what went wrong, and this can be seen as part of the amends for the past mistake. By doing this, you are trying to ensure that your future achievements are built on honest efforts.

 

If you have already taken up employment based on forged certificates, you may continue to do so and the income would be considered Halal, provided you have the necessary requirements to take up that job.

 

However, if you have, as yet, not taken up employment, you should avoid doing so with such certificates, for presenting them would constitute lying and deception. However, if you do (and you possess the necessary credentials of doing that job), your income would be Halal

 

If you sincerely repent and make efforts to correct the situation (such as retaking the exams), then using your high school certificate and diploma becomes permissible, insha’Allah. Since you are addressing the issue by ensuring that you pass those subjects through valid means (retaking the exams), the integrity of your qualifications will be restored.

 

 

Only Allah Knows Best.

Answered by Maulana Sarfraz Mohammad

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

 

 

 

 

 

:’’ من غشنا فلیس منا‘‘

 (الصحیح لمسلم،کتاب  الایمان  ،صفحه 57، )

 

 

“الأجرة تستحق بأحد معان ثلاثة إما بشرط التعجيل أو بالتعجيل أو باستيفاء المعقود عليه فإذا وجد أحد هذه الأشياء الثلاثة فإنه يملكها۔”

(الفتاوى الهندية، ج: 4، كتاب الاجارة، الباب الثاني: متى يجب الأجر، ص: 413،